What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin Conditioning
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCopernicia Cerifera Wax
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
Masking
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Rose Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Microcrystalline Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Synthetic Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Mica, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 77891, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, CI 15850, Parfum, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, CI 77491, CI 45410, CI 15985, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, BHT, Rose Extract, Tocopherol
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolyisobutene
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin Conditioning
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
Abrasive
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Dextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Shorea Robusta Seed Butter
Emollient
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract
Astringent
Glycine
Buffering
Serine
Masking
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil
Emollient
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Leucine
Skin ConditioningAlanine
Masking
Lysine
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantifolia Flower Extract
AstringentArginine
Masking
Tyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
Masking
Proline
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Persica Flower Extract
MoisturisingThreonine
Valine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHistidine
Humectant
Cysteine
Antioxidant
Methionine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyisobutene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Octyldodecanol, Synthetic Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Microcrystalline Wax, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dextrin Palmitate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, CI 77491, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Shorea Robusta Seed Butter, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Citrus Aurantifolia Flower Extract, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Prunus Persica Flower Extract, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Pyrus Malus Flower Extract, Histidine, Cysteine, Methionine, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Extract, Punica Granatum Flower Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is a high-molecular weight synthetic polymer. It is used to modify the viscosity of a formula, improve slip, and create a more "cushiony" texture.
Due to its large molecular size, this ingredient is not absorbed into the skin.
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil comes from the Japanese Camellia plant. This plant is native to East Asia and known as "Tsubaki" in Japanese.
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is rich in oleic acid. This makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe the skin by forming a barrier. This barrier traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydated.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
This is a synthetic polymer used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and enhance spreadability.
Due to its large molecule size, this ingredient does not penetrate the skin and is considered well-tolerated.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneMicrocrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateThis is a plant-derived ester that functions as a skin conditioner. It's basically a two linoleic acid molecules combined with fatty alcohols.
In practice, it works as a rich emollient that helps reduce moisture loss and give skin a soft appearance.
The phytosterol part of this ingredient brings an added structural bonus: phytosterols are structurally similar to cholesterol so they can fit right into the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to help reinforce the skin barrier.
Due to its molecular structure, this ingredient delivers a cushiony and glossy feeling without being excessively greasy.
It did not produce skin irritation or sensitization in clinical studies, and this ingredient is deemed safe to use in cosmetics at current practices.
Because this ingredient contains C16, C18, and C22 fatty chains, it may not be Malassezia/fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast potentially feeds on fatty acids in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer DilinoleateThis ingredient is also known as castor oil. It is a skin conditioning ingredient.
The star component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, an unusual fatty acid that makes up ~80-92% of its composition.
In skincare, it is an emollient that dries down to a solid film with water-binding properties. This helps keep skin hydrated and helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
A 2026 dermatology review pulls together its broader uses:
Human clinical testing found this ingredient to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Because castor oil contains fatty acids in the C11-24 range, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
At this time, the literature does not support castor oil in regrowing hair. A 2022 systematic review found no strong evidence that it supports hair growth and only weak evidence that it improves hair shine.
Castor oil itself carries "perfuming" and "masking" function tags according to the official CosIng database. This is because of its mild odor and odor-dampening properties.
Learn more about Ricinus Communis Seed OilSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
This ingredient has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Synthetic Waxes are straight/branched-chain hydrocarbons with no ester bond or fatty acids. That means there is nothing for the Malassezia yeast to feed on.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxEuphorbia Cerifera Wax (aka candelilla wax) is a vegan stand-in for beeswax. It is a plant-derived wax that functions as an astringent, emulsion stabilizer, film-former, and skin conditioner.
On skin, it forms a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture while it enhances product stability, prevents separation, and helps color last longer in makeup.
This ingredient is generally safe for use in cosmetics with one nuance: some grades of candelilla wax can naturally contain benzyl alcohol at concentrations high enough to require declaration under EU labeling rules. This isn't a concern for most people but relevant for those with fragrance sensitivities.
Candelilla wax contains fatty acids (mainly C31) and wax esters that can be used by the Malassezia yeast, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
You might see Euphorbia Cerifera "Cera" instead of "wax". This is because some brands, databases, or labels use it interchangeably; they're the same ingredient.
Learn more about Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
